Young Millis Scientist Takes Home Prizes at
2011 Massachusetts Middle School Science & Engineering Fair

Cambridge, MA; June 20, 2011— A student from the Millis Middle School received prizes at the 14th Annual Massachusetts Middle School Science & Engineering Fair held recently at Worcester Technical High School.

Jessica O’Reilly won a 3rd Place for her project, “Which Stroke: Freestyle, Breaststroke, or Backstroke Increases Your Heart Rate the Most?” She also received the 2011 Connecticut Valley Biological Award.”

The Massachusetts Middle School Science & Engineering Fair is a forum for students in grades 6-8 to explore through actual hands-on experience the many exciting and emerging fields of science and technology today. Three hundred and four students representing Middle Schools throughout the Commonwealth participated in this year’s fair sponsored by the Cabot Corporation. 

The science fair process is an excellent hands-on learning experience for all participating students. Research projects demonstrate the validity of the scientific method and provide problem-solving experiences with emphasis on the inquiry-centered approach. Judging is structured to provide encouragement, offer meaningful feedback and create a friendly, interactive environment. Prizes are awarded at a formal ceremony held the afternoon of the fair.

About the Cabot Corporation

Cabot Corporation, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, is a global specialty chemical and performance materials company. Cabot's major products are carbon black, fumed silica, inkjet colorants, aerogel, capacitor materials, and cesium formate drilling fluids is the official sponsor of the statewide Middle School Fair.
We are indebted to Cabot for its support, and we wish to recognize the company's significant commitment to science education. The company's website is: www.cabot-corp.com

About the Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair

The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair seeks to engage students in the inquiry and exploration of science, engineering and technology. Established more than 60 years ago by dedicated members of the educational community and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, MSSEF now helps to support hundreds of local and regional year-long science fair programs involving thousands of Massachusetts students each year. A culminating statewide fair is held in the spring at MIT for high school students, followed by a Middle School Fair at Worcester Technical High School. These statewide Fairs annually showcase outstanding student research projects, awarding $500,000 in college scholarships and prizes to top-scoring students. Over half of MSSEF participating students are female; and 45% of participating schools are in high-needs districts.
For six decades, MSSEF programs have advanced science literacy and inspired new generations of science and engineering leaders. Students participating in MSSEF develop essential 21st century life and career skills, including critical and innovative thinking, communication, teamwork and ethical decision-making while building greater self respect and confidence. For more information about MSSEF and its Curious Minds Initiative, log on to www.scifair.com.